first christmas fair - tips, please?

[Craftylady28]

I am going to be holding a stall at a local fair in a few weeks, and have never done one before.
I make gin bottle Xmas tree decorations and also some unique handmade baubles.

I'd really appreciate any tips - eg should I make loads of stock to take, with the risk of them not selling; or take some stock and also take orders from people on the day?

How to lay out a stall?

Ways to attract people over - eg have a raffle for one of my products, treats on the table?

Any tips at all would be wonderful - thank you in advance
x

[ChallyCreaks]

A clean and ironed plain tablecloth to start. Preferably either black or white. Make sure the baubles are displayed well. I tend to have a practice at home before the fair so I know how I want it to look.
Battery operated fairly lights always look nice too.

Bring stock with you if you can rather than take orders.

Be friendly and greet people. Explain what you are selling.

You may need to factor in public liability insurance and an alcohol licence (if you are selling the gin).

Good luck.

[MrsOverTheRoad]

Have a kid's lucky dip beside your stall with a clear sign "Lucky Dip" make it a pound a go.

People approach your stall for that as it's a cheap treat for children and a stall with people around it looks better than one that has nobody.

Price all your goods clearly....and work on your craft whilst you sit. Don't do a lot of sales patter...just say hi and smile.

Lots of stock...nothing worse than an empty stall. Have something to cover your table with and if you can, use boxes beneath the cloth so you get a different level or two.

Have a tree branch in a lovely pot...spray it white and use that to hang baubles from.

[DerelictWreck]

Don't hover - I always avoid stalls where I think I'll get drawn into talking/be actively sold by the holder. If there aren't many people at your stall, stand back a little so that they feel they can browse without obligation!

[Craftylady28]

brilliant tips and ideas thanks. Loving the idea of a sprayed branch to display items - I had been thinking of buying a small Xmas tree to put them on, but this sounds nicer.

Re a "lucky dip" - what sort of prizes?

x

[MrsOverTheRoad]

Just basic things..Pound shop toys are fine...